![](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/backpackers-guide-travel-laos.png\" "\\"Backpacking")
<\/div>\nThis quiet and thinly populated nation is among the most underrated in Asia. If you\u2019re into wilderness, distant riverside cities, and scenic bike loops, then Laos is a gem.<\/h6>\n
Some of my favourite journey experiences have been in Laos, together with motorbiking across the Bolaven Plateau<\/a> and ziplining over the jungle cover on the Gibbon Experience<\/a>. In this information, I\u2019ll share all the things it is advisable know.<\/p>\n Mind you, Laos is all the time altering <\/strong>and older journey guides will provide you with an outdated image. There are two massive issues which have modified:<\/p>\n Firstly, Laos is not a celebration vacation spot<\/strong>. In the early 2010s, Vang Vieng was a infamous occasion city, however these days it\u2019s principally a nature vacation spot<\/a>. Laos is definitely somewhat sleepy and most bars shut earlier than midnight.<\/p>\n Secondly, it\u2019s grow to be simpler to journey. The new Boten\u2013Vientiane railway<\/strong> opened in 2022, making the north far more related. When I first visited Laos method again in 2013, you needed to cross the border by bamboo raft \u2014 and these days there\u2019s a bridge. Laos is sparsely populated and really pure, but it surely\u2019s not too troublesome to journey round and comply with your individual route.<\/p>\n There isn\u2019t a lot mass tourism (resulting from an absence of seashores) and the cities aren’t as buzzing as in Thailand or Vietnam. But Laos is all about exploring its light rural villages, having fun with its Buddhist calm and awe-inspiring nature, and sampling its scrumptious and underrated meals.<\/p>\n Some could name that boring, however I name it a real spotlight of Asia!<\/p>\n It\u2019s finest to keep away from the moist season in Laos between May and October. The dry dry season is between November and April<\/strong>.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve travelled in Laos in November and in February-March. The landscapes have been a bit lusher in November as this month follows the monsoon rains. But there actually wasn\u2019t that a lot distinction and Nov-Apr needs to be all good.<\/p>\n No matter the time of 12 months, take into account the mountainous north can get chilly at night time. Pack for the tropics however deliver a jumper as properly.<\/p>\n Want an easy-to-follow itinerary for Laos? Then merely concentrate on Luang Prabang<\/strong> and Vang Vieng<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This has lengthy been the tried-and-true Laos itinerary when you’ve got restricted time (round one week). You\u2019ll hit up a few of the highlights and also you\u2019ll see the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized metropolis of Luang Prabang.<\/p>\n You can do that route in every week if you happen to maintain tempo, however\u00a0it\u2019s higher to have no less than 10 days<\/strong>. This provides you time for some enjoyable aspect excursions alongside the way in which or to take the 2-day gradual boat<\/a> alongside the Mekong River to Luang Prabang as an alternative of the quicker bus.<\/p>\n This basic route works properly as an add-on to a Thailand journey. You can enter from Northern Thailand (e.g. from Chiang Rai) and exit once more at Nong Khai, throughout the river from Laos\u2019 capital of Vientiane, then looping your method again to Bangkok.<\/p>\n This provides you a pleasant slice of Laos, however if you wish to be extra authentic, there are different routes in Laos to contemplate.<\/p>\n I like the mountainous north of Laos<\/strong>. You can do an important loop beginning and ending in Luang Prabang, which incorporates some smaller cities like Luang Namtha<\/strong> and Nong Khiaw<\/strong>.<\/p>\n These cities are superb if you happen to\u2019re into issues like kayaking, trekking, biking, or caving. There are nationwide parks with huge unbroken jungles and it\u2019s simple to seek out guided treks by means of the jungles or to waterfalls. If you want homestays then there are many alternatives for this as properly.<\/p>\n Another cool journey is to weave your method by means of the very south of Laos.\u00a0<\/strong>It\u2019s dwelling to a number of pleasant cities alongside the Mekong River, some incredible riverine island-hopping<\/a> at Si Phan Don, and the prettiest waterfalls I\u2019ve seen in Laos.<\/p>\n If you’ve got time, you may in fact mix all of those into one massive (3 to 4 week) Laos route.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Laos is sort of an extended nation and travelling all of it overland takes time; for instance, from the capital within the middle to the southern metropolis of Pakse takes about 15 hours by bus.<\/p>\n Depending in your journey,\u00a0you might be compelled to determine between the north or south.\u00a0I may inform you that each one elements of Laos are equally stunning however \u2014 sshhh<\/em> \u2014 I believe the north is particularly worthwhile! It\u2019s an ethnically numerous area with some superb mountain surroundings.<\/p>\n If compelled to decide on, I might do a visit there first, however some travellers do want the south.<\/p>\n As you make your method south, the mountains progressively make method for flat farmlands. You\u2019ll see extra rice fields and farmers carrying conical hats, very like in Vietnam. The Mekong River swells in measurement, stretching far and vast when it will get to Pakse.<\/p>\n The south has loads of worthwhile points of interest together with the temples of Wat Phu, the riverine archipelago of Si Phan Don<\/a>, and the Bolaven Plateau<\/a> with its many waterfalls and conventional villages.<\/p>\n If you’ve got the time, then visiting each the north\/middle and the south of Laos is certainly not redundant \u2014 as each have a really completely different vibe and completely different landscapes.<\/p>\n It\u2019s best to journey round Laos by bus or practice. But having your individual transport will provide you with a really completely different expertise.<\/p>\n I cherished exploring the countryside by bike. It\u2019s simple to lease a bike or moped\/scooter in lots of locations and it usually prices little or no. (I keep in mind renting one for about $7 a day.) You can do plenty of native sightseeing independently on this method (then get on a bus to your subsequent hub).<\/p>\n If you may\u2019t drive a moped your self, attempt to make buddies with somebody who can and hop on the again! There\u2019s nothing like driving previous lush inexperienced rice fields and pastoral villages backed by karst hills. You\u2019ll get to see a unique aspect of Laos for certain.<\/p>\n Besides native sightseeing, a bike\/moped can even allow you to do multi-day highway journeys inside Laos:<\/p>\n I additionally did a stunning day journey by bike from Luang Namtha to Muang Sing<\/a> that I can extremely advocate. It goes proper by means of Nam Ha National Park and ends with numerous rice fields and rural scenes.<\/p>\n The small metropolis of Luang Prabang is the tourism crown jewel of Laos \u2014 and whereas it shouldn\u2019t be overhyped, it\u2019s nonetheless extremely price together with in your journey. Situated on the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, it earned UNESCO World Heritage standing due to its well-preserved structure that blends conventional Laos and French colonial kinds.<\/p>\n In the 2 instances that I\u2019ve been, Luang Prabang has struck me as a unusual, contradictory place<\/strong>. It\u2019s in all probability the one place in Laos which may get featured in The New York Times or in in-flight magazines, given how a few of the eating places and accommodations enchantment partly to a extra upscale clientele. Some vacationers additionally go to Luang Prabang as an Asian metropolis journey (flying out and in) and gained\u2019t actually be seen elsewhere in Laos.<\/p>\n This could make Luang Prabang really feel a tad synthetic at instances, despite the fact that beneath all of it it\u2019s nonetheless completely Laos. Take the night time market as an illustration, which supplies you an important probability to check out the everyday road meals. If you\u2019re a backpacker, you additionally don\u2019t should be delay by Luang Prabang\u2019s repute for higher-end\u00a0lodging, as you may nonetheless discover loads of low cost meals and $5-a-night hostels.<\/p>\n Luang Prabang could be very touristy, however I believe it\u2019s fairly tastefully so. It\u2019s simple to like this city for its cute cafes with fairy lights, conventional teak wooden buildings, and small golden-roofed temples. And regardless of the presence of quite a few luxurious boutique accommodations and a few fancy eating places with French names, the city will welcome you regardless of your price range.<\/p>\n Do anticipate a few of the sights round Luang Prabang to be fairly rammed in excessive season (like December and January). Climbing Mount Phousi, <\/strong>a temple-topped hill proper in the midst of city, will provide you with some fantastic sundown panoramas, however you\u2019ll be continually jockeying for house. The multi-tiered Kuang Si Waterfalls <\/strong>with their shimmering azure swimming pools are phenomenal, but it surely\u2019s finest to go right here within the morning or late afternoon to keep away from the mid-day rush.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re on the lookout for a bit of slice of untamed Laos, it\u2019s not far-off. Just take the 2-minute ferry throughout the Mekong<\/strong> from the docks in downtown. It\u2019s all simply jungle and scattered rural villages round right here.<\/p>\n It\u2019s additionally price taking a ship up the river north to Pak Ou<\/strong>, the place you may go to caves and Buddhist temples. The glorious web site Travelfish has a nice instructed bike loop<\/a> masking many nice highlights round Pak Ou.<\/p>\n Some love Luang Prabang, some are a tad underwhelmed. Maybe it\u2019s as a result of the UNESCO label is so usually related (in lots of traveler\u2019s minds) with epic sights like Angkor Wat or the Great Barrier Reef, whereas Luang Prabang is notable merely for its well-preserved colonial architectural kinds.<\/p>\n To set expectations: it\u2019s a surprisingly small place (feeling extra like a small city) and also you gained\u2019t see imperial grandeur or mind-blowing sights. Luang Prabang\u2019s enchantment is generally in its cute wood Lao homes and former colonial mansions, and the riverside location makes it a stunning spot to unwind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Just a three-hour drive from the developed tourism of Luang Prabang you\u2019ll discover Nong Khiaw, a quiet city surrounded by knobbly karst mountain peaks.<\/p>\n Nong Khiaw isn\u2019t as well-known as different locations in Laos, however its rustic charms are simply<\/em> my cup of tea \u2014 and perhaps yours as properly. The surroundings is considerably similar to the higher identified Vang Vieng, however I believe Nong Khiaw is prettier and has a extra of a low-key vibe. It\u2019s a tranquil place with just a few riverside bungalows, some good eating places, and an area bar or two. It\u2019s simply certainly one of my most favourite spots in Laos.<\/p>\n Kayaking, trekking, caving, and waterfall excursions are a few of the high issues to do right here. Don\u2019t additionally miss mountaineering as much as one of many three epic viewing factors wanting down in town\u00a0\u2014 or why not hike to all three.<\/p>\n The tiny village of Muang Ngoi Neua<\/strong> is in a shocking location one hour by boat north of Nong Khiaw, and is properly price a keep. There\u2019s not a lot to do there however to swing in a hammock by the river, but it surely\u2019s a stunning spot to get away from all of it.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The city of Luang Namtha itself is perhaps not\u00a0the\u00a0<\/em>most scenic in Laos, but it surely\u2019s a reasonably nice city\u00a0with an evening market and a Buddhist temple or two. (And I a lot loved staying in a guesthouse off the principle highway and among the many rice fields, pictured beneath.)<\/p>\n But the city will not be what you\u2019re right here for: you see, Luang Namtha is correct subsequent to the Nam Ha National Park, which makes it an ideal base for exploring Laos\u2019 stunning nature.<\/p>\n Some of the jungle treks supplied right here embody visits to (or homestays in) indigenous hill tribe villages. In Vietnam and Thailand, such hill tribe treks appear to have a little bit of a combined repute, as some villages get exploited or overrun with vacationers. In Luang Namtha, it appears they’ve tried to handle issues extra sustainably, with not more than two visits allowed per village per week and a most group measurement of 8. Do test in case your trekking company has an excellent repute for benefiting the native communities, with a purpose to help accountable neighborhood tourism.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n This small village is only a stone\u2019s throw from China\u2019s Yunnan province. It\u2019s in all probability not a spot that many will go to, being in a northern nook of Laos that almost all would think about a dead-end. But that is precisely what makes it very interesting if you wish to get a unique style of Laos, away from the everyday vacationer sights.<\/p>\n Going to Muang Sing is particularly price it if you happen to go by bike from Luang Namtha<\/a>. At a leisurely tempo, it is going to take simply half a day, however the drive is extremely scenic, passing by means of a piece of Nam Ha National Park in addition to a number of waterfalls on the way in which.<\/p>\n The city of Muang Sing is located in the midst of a valley with rice fields stretching out to distant mountain ranges. There could be very little vacationer infrastructure, however there\u2019s simply sufficient to get by. You\u2019ll discover a number of guesthouses, a museum, a bicycle rental, and a government-run trekking company that may take you out to a few of the ethnic villages across the province. It\u2019s an important little place to go if you happen to\u2019re into off-the-beaten-track exploration.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Gibbon Experience<\/a> is a long-running ecotourism venture primarily based inside Nam Kan National Park. It invitations you to sleep on the planet\u2019s highest tree huts and zipline throughout jungled valleys utilizing a mixed 15 kilometers (!) of cables. If you\u2019re fortunate, you\u2019ll hear the attractive tune of gibbons within the morning as mist nonetheless shrouds the decrease elements of the forest.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a bit pricey if you happen to\u2019re on a backpacker price range \u2014 a 3-day package deal prices about $300 \u2014 but it surely\u2019s additionally an exhilarating and distinctive expertise. Not solely that, but it surely\u2019s completely a feel-good venture, because the Gibbon Experience genuinely helps to guard the forests and supplies sustainable livelihoods to lots of the villages.<\/p>\n While you could find loads of ziplining experiences world wide, I can\u2019t consider many that allow you to truly sleep inside tree huts and be so at one with the forest. When I had a bathe on the toilet deck with panoramic sundown views of the cover and tropical birds zipping previous, I felt this was practically well worth the worth of admission alone.\u00a0You can learn extra in regards to the Gibbon Experience<\/a> in my report.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Little is thought in regards to the historical civilization that created the 1000’s of stone jars strewn throughout the Xiangkhoang Plateau, but it surely makes for an attention-grabbing web site to discover. The megalithic archaeological panorama might be finest reached from the provincial capital of Phonsavan. Jar Site 1 is essentially the most spectacular one, although there are over 100 jar websites.<\/p>\n The space round Phonsavan was additionally a lot affected by the US through the Vietnam War, affected by heavy bombardment and conflicts instigated by the CIA. Local museums can inform you in regards to the warfare and the problems with\u00a0unexploded ordnance that also persist at present.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, Phonsavan is annoyingly far-off from different key sights. It takes an entire day to get to from Luang Prabang, for instance. This makes it in all probability solely price it if you happen to\u2019re already on the way in which to some place else, for instance to Viang Xai or onwards to Vietnam, as it is going to assist break up the journey.<\/p>\n I suppose it could actually take eternally for the repute of a spot to show round. Every description of Vang Vieng nonetheless <\/i>has to begin by saying with what it as soon as was, not what it’s at present. So right here goes: Vang Vieng was as soon as identified for its completely out-of-control events, however then it cleaned up its act in 2012. Still, a few years later, the previous repute lingers, and a few individuals nonetheless keep away from it primarily based on dangerous data.<\/p>\n There is <\/i>nonetheless nightlife in Vang Vieng. It\u2019s one of many few locations the place bars keep open after 11pm, ignoring the strict curfew that\u2019s usually\u00a0imposed all through the nation. You can even nonetheless go down the river in a tractor tube, and cease by a handful of bars alongside the way in which, however this can be a far more laidback affair<\/a> than the\u00a0loopy riverside raves and wild full moon events that existed right here prior to now.<\/p>\n Today, Vang Vieng features primarily as a base for out of doors actions like kayaking, ziplining, and caving. You may even go sizzling air ballooning at dawn, which supplies you spectacular views of the encircling karst formations. Other points of interest round Vang Vieng embody a small leisure swimming gap known as the Blue Lagoon<\/strong>, and the Tham Phu Kham Cave<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Vang Vieng is fairly touristy (and I believe Nong Khiaw has extra appeal) but it surely\u2019s an important base for exploring the character round it.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n When I first visited Laos I used to be warned to not anticipate an excessive amount of of Vientiane, and my expectations have been suitably met. The Lao capital (pronounced \u2018Viangchan\u2019 within the authentic Lao) merely doesn\u2019t have the bustle of different Asian capitals like Hanoi or Bangkok. It additionally solely\u00a0has a handful of mildly attention-grabbing sights. The Golden Stupa<\/strong> (or Pha That Luang temple),\u00a0the nationwide image of Laos, is perhaps price a glance.<\/p>\n The Buddha Park <\/strong>additionally\u00a0makes for a good day-trip from Vientiane. This sculpture park in a meadow by the Mekong River comprises tons of of up to date Hindu and Buddhist statues.<\/p>\n To be trustworthy although, Vientiane is alright if you happen to\u2019re simply passing by means of, however I wouldn\u2019t exit of my method for it.\u00a0I obtained caught in Vientiane for a number of days whereas awaiting my Vietnam visa and obtained a bit of bored. As with any metropolis, you may definitely discover attention-grabbing issues hidden inside it, however I believe different locations in Laos are a bit of simpler to sink your enamel into.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The metropolis of Pakse is an ideal launching pad for exploring the southern area of Laos. While the town isn\u2019t that attention-grabbing itself, it has a small backpacker district with\u00a0some guesthouses the place you may keep the night time and plan your excursions into the encircling space.<\/p>\n The close by Bolaven Plateau is a flat elevated area (at 1000 to 1300m) identified for its many espresso farms, beautiful waterfalls, and conventional villages. You can drive round right here in a small loop (minimal 2 days) or an enormous loop (minimal 3 days). The roads aren\u2019t all the time scenic the entire method \u2014 a few of them simply go by means of flat farmland \u2014 however the stops alongside the way in which are superb and fully well worth the drive.<\/p>\n The waterfalls of Tad Tayicsua <\/strong>and Tad Fane <\/strong>are particularly spectacular, and it\u2019s pretty to remain the night time within the little city of Tad Lo<\/strong>. (For extra suggestions, you may learn my submit about\u00a0exploring the Bolaven Plateau<\/a>.)<\/p>\n The Bolaven Plateau is finest explored by bike. The Belgian\/Lao managed Miss Noy Motorbike<\/a> in Pakse supplies glorious information and day by day briefings on these two loops \u2014 and motorbikes for lease, in fact. If you may\u2019t drive a scooter, then you might take a public bus as much as Tad Lo <\/strong>and see\u00a0some waterfalls and occasional farms there, although ideally it’s best to have your individual transportation to see the most effective of Bolaven.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The historical spiritual advanced of Wat Phou makes for an important cease in southern Laos. Unlike lots of the Khmer temples in Cambodia, Wat Phu is much less visited and far more tranquil.<\/p>\n Okay, it may be no Angkor Wat, however the two temple buildings from the eleventh century are nonetheless very properly intact. You can climb the hills to discover one other hilltop sanctuary, and to get some stunning views of the temples and landscapes beneath. When I visited, there have been only some handfuls of vacationers, and in any other case\u00a0there have been simply Laotians coming right here to hope or to have a picnic. Wat Phu might be finest reached from Pakse (about 45 min).<\/p>\n In southern Laos the mighty Mekong River splits into many smaller tendrils when it hits the riverine archipelago known as the 4000 Islands (or Si Phan Don).<\/p>\n I\u2019m undecided if it\u2019s precisely 4000 of them, however the area is definitely full of numerous stunning river islands. It\u2019s a tranquil and rural space that\u2019s excellent for locating a hammock and simply watching the world go by. The Mekong sunsets are unbelievable! Other actions round these elements embody bicycling, dolphin watching, and kayaking.<\/p>\n You can learn extra suggestions in my information to Si Phan Don<\/a>, which covers principally the islands of Don Det and Don Khon.<\/p>\n Travel insurance coverage will cowl you for theft, medical bills, cancellation, and extra. Heymondo presents nice protection, COVID-19 included<\/strong>, zero deductibles, and an app with 24\/7 help & physician chat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Laos isn\u2019t that well-connected by air<\/strong>, although there are some flights to Luang Prabang and Vientiane from regional hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Hanoi. Lao Airlines has rare home flights to different locations round Laos.<\/p>\n Instead of flying on to Laos, you would possibly need to fly into\u00a0you may also fly into northern Thailand or Vietnam and head into Laos overland from there.<\/p>\n There is a tiny airport on the border city of Huay Xai but it surely\u2019s getting upgraded this 12 months so it\u2019s closed. Otherwise you might discover regional flights going to this handy place to begin in your Laos itinerary.<\/p>\n Approaching from northern Thailand, you can begin your Laos journey in Huay Xai<\/strong> in Bokeo Province. Truthfully this can be a fairly unremarkable border city, so it may be skipped when you’ve got no different journey plans on this area. (Huay Xai is the place you need to be for the Gibbon Experience although and you’ll journey onwards from there.)<\/p>\n You can test the buses from Huay Xai to Luang Namtha<\/a> or Huay Xai to Luang Prabang<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can test the bus timetables from Chiang Mai (Thailand) to Luang Prabang<\/a> or Chiang Rai (Thailand) to Luang Prabang<\/a>.<\/p>\n Approaching from the south, you may cross the border from Thailand to the capital of Vientiane. Another widespread route is to journey between Siem Reap or Kratie in Cambodia to the 1000 Islands within the south tip of Laos.<\/p>\n A preferred journey with backpackers is the notorious gradual boat, which travels alongside the Mekong River from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang.<\/p>\n The boat takes two days and provides you a relaxed introduction to Laos. You\u2019ll sleep the night time in a riverside village known as Pakbeng and this lodging is included.<\/p>\n I entered Laos each with the slowboat and by way of the overland bus route. Check out my comparability between the gradual boat and bus<\/a> if you happen to\u2019re attempting to determine!<\/p>\n Most nationalities get a 30-day visa on arrival on the border. The value is determined by your nationality however ranges from $20 to $40. Travelers from Nordic international locations can journey visa-free for as much as 15 days.<\/p>\n Laos remains to be one of many least developed international locations within the area. The roads in Laos aren\u2019t all the time precisely superb. Some distant roads require a lot consciousness of potholes and stray goats to navigate. Sometimes it\u2019s actually historical and gradual buses that may complicate issues.<\/p>\n But infrastructure is slowly bettering. If you\u2019re no less than fairly affected person then touring round Laos actually isn\u2019t that arduous. As of 2022, a single-track railway line now hyperlinks China to Thailand by way of Laos. It presents a speedy and handy approach to journey throughout northern Laos.<\/p>\n It\u2019s best to ebook buses and trains by means of 12Go Asia<\/a>.<\/p>\n There is plenty of low cost lodging in Laos. If you want to remain in hostels, then Hostelworld<\/a> is in fact the location to test.<\/p>\n Even after I travelled on a price range, I didn\u2019t discover it mandatory to remain in hostel dorms fairly often. Outside of just about simply Luang Prabang, locations to remain are simply very low cost in Laos. It\u2019s potential to get a primary bungalow or a non-public room in a guesthouse for below $10 an evening.<\/p>\n Booking.com<\/a> is all the time an excellent web site to test for budget-friendly locations, but it surely\u2019s additionally price checking Agoda<\/a>, which is specialised within the Asia area.<\/p>\n Laos is among the cheaper international locations in Southeast Asia, comparable in value to northern Thailand<\/a> or Vietnam<\/a>.<\/p>\n During my most up-to-date journey, I spent an common of $24 a day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1050643.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060073.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhen to <\/strong>go to Laos<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1050875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLaos routes<\/strong> and itineraries<\/h2>\n
The basic Laos route<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/map-laos-backpacking-itinerary-route-week-2-660x483.png\")
<\/p>\nOther arguably higher routes<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/laos-map-top-places-to-visit-itinerary-backpacking-route-2.png\")
<\/p>\nNorth or south Laos?<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060141.jpg\")
Exploring by scooter\/bike<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/P1060266.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Top locations to go to<\/strong> in Laos<\/h2>\n
Luang Prabang<\/h3>\n
Atmospheric metropolis and UNESCO world heritage web site<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060009.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1050993.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1050971.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060019.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1050985.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/IMG_2261.jpg\")
\u201cWhat\u2019s the big deal with Luang Prabang?\u201d<\/h4>\n
Nong Khiaw<\/h3>\n
Charming city surrounded by beautiful limestone mountains<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1050660.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1050548.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1050936.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nLuang Namtha & Nam Ha Nat\u2019l\u00a0Park<\/h3>\n
Pristine rainforests and hill tribe villages<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1050275.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1050296.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1050383-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMuang Sing province<\/h3>\n
A sleepy area close to the Chinese border<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1050432.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1050405.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1050401-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGibbon Experience in Nam Kan Nat\u2019l\u00a0Park<\/h3>\n
Live within the forest cover for a few days<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1050180.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1050176.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1050249-930x620.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPhonsavan and the Plain of Jars<\/h3>\n
A mysterious archaeological web site<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/plainofjars.jpg\")
<\/p>\nVang Vieng<\/h3>\n
Laos\u2019\u00a0reborn journey tourism hotspot<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/IMG_3025.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/IMG_2953-660x440.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/IMG_2977-660x440.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/IMG_2861.jpg\")
Vientiane<\/h3>\n
A key transit hub (however not a lot else\u2026)<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/IMG_3253.jpg\")
Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau<\/h3>\n
Coffee farms, homestays, and spectacular waterfalls<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060306.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060350.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060364.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060229.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWat Phu<\/h3>\n
Khmer temples off the overwhelmed monitor<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060116.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060057.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1060087.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe 4000 Islands<\/h3>\n
Relaxing rural river islands<\/h6>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1060470.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/P1060393.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGet insurance coverage in your journey<\/h3>\n
Travel Advice<\/span><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/featurepic_insurance_2-250x250.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nGetting into<\/strong> Laos<\/h2>\n
Flights<\/h5>\n
Arriving by bus<\/h5>\n
The boat from Thailand<\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/IMG_2181-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nEntry visas<\/h5>\n
Getting round<\/strong> in Laos<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/P1060127.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAccommodation<\/strong> in Laos<\/h2>\n
Travel prices<\/strong> in Laos<\/h2>\n